Articles and News
BRAND NEWS: HOF’S NEW WEBSITE, ANTONINI SUPPORTS CANCER RESEARCH, IPPOLITA GOES RETAIL, MORE October 10, 2012 (0 comments)
Hearts On Fire Debuts New Website With Advanced Shopping Features, Innovative Video, and More
Boston, MA--Hearts On Fire on Monday unveiled a new and enhanced website (left) focused on elevating the consumer experience at every step of the diamond shopping process. The site now includes a multitude of features with a major focus on displaying product, providing extensive content, and allowing consumers to have all the tools they need to easily shop.
“The digital platform is the single most effective way for us to share the Hearts On Fire story with the world,” said Caryl Capeci, vice president of marketing. “Demonstrating how our diamond jewelry is different through video and interactive tools, and allowing our customers to share that information socially, is incredibly powerful.”
Brides and grooms will find “his” and “her” customized sections to help them select the perfect engagement ring, as well as overall guidance in helping with popular wedding issues. Some of the new advanced features include:
- A wish list feature that remembers you when you come back
- A comparison tool which allows you to compare up to four items
- A more robust search feature with images
- A quick view product orientation to product details in the first category page
- An expanded video library and news and events section to bring our publicity to life
- Expansive diamond information, including special features from our Master Diamond Cutter on, guidance for men and women, fashion tips, and more
- Greater integration of social media sites, as well as the HOF GIRL blog
- Enhanced product photography with high-quality images, more angles, shown on models
- 360 degree product videos that show engagement rings on the finger and with their matching band
A retailer locator feature also has been upgraded, says Capeci. It now immediately recognizes the user’s location, based on enhanced use of Google maps technology, and automatically suggests nearby stores. It also features a manual window to enter zip code or location for other store choices.
In coming weeks, HOF will be rolling out individual pages for each Hearts on Fire retailer, Capeci told The Centurion. They’ll be able to customize content with images and unique copy.
Antonini Sponsors AIRC, Italian Association for Cancer Research
Milan, Italy—Antonini was the sponsor of a recent gala charity event to raise funds for the Italian Cancer Research Association (AIRC). The event, held September 15 in the Angera Castle outside Milan, took place at sunset in the medieval fortress on Lake Maggiore. A candlelit dinner was served in frescoed rooms decorated with fruit and flowers.
300 guests dined and danced to help raise funds for the fight against cancer. As a sponsor of the event, Antonini donated a pair of its Panama earrings in kogolong and diamonds, and the jeweler will continue supporting AIRC through the rest of 2012, donating 10% of Christmas-season sales proceeds.
Frederique Constant Introduces First Desk Clock
Geneva, Switzerland—Swiss watchmaker Frederique Constant announces the introduction of its first table clock. The clock incorporates all the characteristics that identify Frederique Constant timepieces and give them their signature style.
Made of brushed and polished stainless steel, the clock is shaped like a very large (94 mm) watch face and even includes a “crown” on the right side. The dial is silver with guilloché decoration, large Roman numerals all around, and has hand polished, deep black oxidized hands to tell the time. The clock contains two quartz movements, and features a second time zone setting at the six o'clock position. The clock's base looks as though a watch strap should be attached there, but instead is attached to the protective lid, which doubles as the stand. It’s available in time for holiday gift giving and is priced at approximately $640.
Maurice Lacroix & Fisker Automotive Announce Exclusive Partnership
Bienne, Switzerland—Maurice Lacroix and Fisker Automotive have announced a new co-branding agreement, and Henrik Fisker will act as an official Maurice Lacroix ambassador, promoting common values and a joint perception of innovation and design.
The partnership announcement was made during the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris, where Maurice Lacroix and Fisker Automotive held a joint event for over 150 invitation-only VIP guests and international media. Marc Gläser, managing director of Maurice Lacroix SA, said, “I am delighted by this partnership with Fisker Automotive! It is a fantastic and unique opportunity for Maurice Lacroix to collaborate and share ideas with some of the most modern-thinkers and best designers of the automobile industry. Both companies have the innovative spirit and the audacity to develop products that truly stand out.”
Henrik Fisker and Marc Glaser with one of Fisker's luxury electric automobiles.
Henrik Fisker is the designer of some of BMW and Aston Martin’s most iconic sports cars and now is CEO and co-founder in 2007 of Fisker Automotive, an American car company committed to producing electric vehicles with extended range that deliver uncompromised responsible luxury, with the belief that environmentally conscious cars need not sacrifice style, or performance.
Founded in 1975, Maurice Lacroix employs over 200 people worldwide, the majority of whom are based at the international head office in Biel and in the manufacturing plants in Saignelégier and Montfaucon in Switzerland. On July 1, 2011, DKSH, a Swiss company based in Zurich and a leading service-provider for market expansion in Asia, acquired a controlling stake in the Maurice Lacroix group.
Ippolita Opens Madison Avenue Flagship, First of 12
New York, NY—Designer Ippolita opened her first branded boutique September 24 on Madison Avenue in New York. The 500-sq. foot store, one of 12 planned over the next three years, will carry the designer’s full range of 18k, diamond, and gemstone jewelry, plus her silver and bridge Ippolita Rosé collections.
According to an article in Women’s Wear Daily, Ippolita CEO Joe Cavalcante is projecting a 30% increase in business for 2012 and expects the same growth in 2013.
Pomellato Launches Silver Line
Milan, Italy—Italian designer jewelry brand Pomellato is the latest gold firm to branch into silver jewelry. Pomellato 67, the 47-piece line that represents the brand’s new foray into the lower-priced metal, bowed during Milan Fashion Week in late September and will be available in the United States at Saks Fifth Avenue and the brand’s own four boutiques in New York, Chicago, Miami, and Beverly Hills.
Andrea Hansen Moves to Bochic
New York, NY—Andrea Hansen, former CEO of Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry, has been tapped to lead Bochic. As president—a newly created position—she will be responsible for growing the company’s namesake brand as well as its Miriam Salat high-end fashion jewelry brand.
Andrea Hansen